Published 7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 5, 2005

The 9-mile chase began near Gillotti Road in New Fairfield about 4:18 a.m., and concluded near the Jewish Community Center in Sherman, where state police deployed "stop sticks" to puncture the tires of the fleeing vehicle. The two teens attempted to escape on foot, but were apprehended after a brief chase.

State police spokesman Trooper William Tate said the incident began when Pimentel spotted a 1996 Dodge Neon reportedly stolen in Danbury headed north on Route 39.

Pimentel attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver ignored the officer's lights and siren and kept going.

Conway, who was patrolling nearby, joined in what Tate called "a low-speed chase" that continued into Sherman, where Trooper Bernard Camaro deployed the stop sticks across the road.

The Dodge struck the sticks, flattening three tires, and eventually came to rest against a utility pole on the left side of the road.

"They can't go too fast with three flat tires," Tate said.

Neither the driver, Jonathan Billingham, 18, of Round Table Road, New Milford, nor his passenger, James Lavigne, 16, of Chestnutland Road, New Milford, was injured.

Billingham was charged with drunken driving, assault on a police officer, reckless driving, operating under suspension, engaging police in pursuit, and operating a vehicle without the owner's permission.

Lavigne was charged with interfering with police.

It was unclear whether the officers were injured in the accident or in a struggle with one of the teens.

Conway sustained neck and back injuries, but the nature of Pimentel's injuries are unknown.